Hair Loss Men

Vitamins, Minerals & Thyroid

There are many that would suggest that nutritional and mineral imbalances to not relate to hair loss and dismiss this prior to any form of investigation. Lacking in many different vitamins or minerals may well be a contributory or main cause of hair loss and should be addressed. Care however should be taken when reading the information listed on this site as it is not designed for self diagnoses. The information is designed to offer food for thought to the reader and suggest the next step in combating your hair loss condition.

Hair loss in men tends to be that of androgenetic alopecia also known as male pattern baldness although men to suffer from other hair loss conditions. In women, hair thinning tends to indicate an internal dysfunction that causes an issues with the body's ability to regulate physiologically. The following paper offers a brief overview of the main vitamins that may contribute to hair loss.

Iodine

Considered the most important essential nutrient after Iron. Lack of Iodine will affect the production of the thyroid hormone leading to incorrect functioning (of the thyroid gland). It is a simple test to judge your levels (urinary spot screening). There have been some studies into low IQ levels in those with iodine deficiency and breast diseases in females. Recent studies ( professor Creswell Eastman from the council of Control (iodine deficiency disorders)) have shown from a national study that nearly half of school children have iodine deficiency.

Copper & Zinc

The importance of copper and zinc should not be overlooked. These should both be tested as both are vital for correct thyroid functioning and hair growth. I should be noted that copper and zinc can antagonise each other affecting absorption. If one is plentiful the other will undoubtedly be depleted which will have an affect on the homeostasis. This may affect the balance of other nutrients also.

Zinc - noted in over 150 enzymatic actions. Zinc is also involved in The synthesis of Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) - produced by the Hypothalamus to stimulate production of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). A crucial catalyst in the binding and activation of the active thyroid hormone Triiodothyronine (T3) to receptors on the cell nucleus and Zinc deficiency is thought to contribute to poor thyroid hormone conversion - and deficiency diminishes healthy genetic expression of thyroid hormone. (ref: Anthony Pearce trichologist & nurse in Australia).

Copper - inadequate levels of copper inhibits the production of thyroid gland hormone and may obstruct the use of iron by our red blood cells. This results in iron left in a dormant state within the organs of the body. As the copper deficiency continues the iron continues to lay dormant. This may in term cause symptoms of iron deficiency even though the levels are ok.

Those using HRT and contraceptives tend to show an elevated copper level mainly due to increased levels of oestrogen (which becomes dominant) and other nutrient reduction. As mentioned previously, when copper is in excess, zinc levels will undoubted deplete along with other iron, magnesium, Vitamins B3, 5, and 6, Vitamins C and E, and certain trace elements of importance. Barotosy describes this copper dominance as an anti nutrient or toxic metal influence.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) known to be produced by the liver is responsible for the circulation of 70% of the bound type testosterone and oestrogen. If such levels of Sex hormone binding globulin are increased may result in symptoms or testosterone and oestrogen deficiency.

Selenium

Selenium is another essential nutrient lying close behind that of iodine and iron. There are many thyroid enzymes that are selenium dependant. Both selenium and iodine are agonists. Both are required at a good level to assist the thyroid gland to function. Selenium plays an important role in immune defense and in anti oxidants. Testing for selenium can vary. Hair mineral analysis is an appropriate method.

B-Vitamins

B Vitamin (co enzymes) are essential in maintaining mitochondrial production

Thiamine (B1)

Also known as aneurin, thiamine is part of the vitamin b complex and is water soluble. Thiamine is involved in many cellular processes. ThDP (thiamine diphosphate) would be considered a recognised form, which is a coenzyme in the catabolism of amino acids and sugars. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency includes weight loss, confusion and irritability. Thiamine is not fully understood but insufficient amounts may lead to issues with the cardiovascular and peripheral nervous system.

B12

Vitamin B12 contains cobalt which is why it is also known as cobalamin. Part of the B complex group, found primarily in dairy produce, eggs and meat. B12 is required for the synthesis of red blood cells, growth and a child's development, maintaining the nervous system and synthesis of DNA during cell division, which is especially important in regions of rapid cell division such as bone marrow (red blood cell formation). B12 is stored mainly in the Liver (approx 80%) with a total body store of 2-5mgs in an adult. B12 is excreted (from 1-10ug (micrograms) per day) in the bile and reabsorbed.

B12 deficiency may lead to anaemia as a result of disrupted DNA, leading to the production of mutant cells called megaloblasts. Symptoms include tiredness, pallor, a reduced ability to combat infection, being breathless, listless, issues with menstrual cycle, sore, smooth tongue. Folic acid (necessary for DNA synthesis) can also be responsible for causing anaemia.

There will be further information on many aspects of mineral and vitamins in the near future.

E Stevens